Pharmacology HESI Related

Review Pharmacology HESI related questions and content

Tamoxifen is prescribed for the client with metastatic breast carcinoma. The nurse understands that the primary action of this medication is to:

  • A. Increase DNA and RNA synthesis.
  • B. Promote the biosynthesis of nucleic acids.
  • C. Increase estrogen concentration and estrogen response.
  • D. Compete with estradiol for binding to estrogen in tissues containing high concentrations of receptors.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The primary action of tamoxifen, an antineoplastic medication used in metastatic breast carcinoma, is to compete with estradiol for binding to estrogen receptors in tissues with high receptor concentrations. By doing so, tamoxifen reduces DNA synthesis and estrogen response, leading to its therapeutic effect in inhibiting the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells.